“We’ll watch what’s going on in London because if the company wins that battle, other employers are going to expect concessions as well,” Laporte said to the paper.

During the last round of negotiations, workers at TRW Ltd. ended up striking for more than two weeks. Laporte said bargaining was difficult and thinks it could be tougher this time around based on the current economic climate.

Local 444 will also begin negotiations with Integram Seating, which is owned by Magna International Inc., later this year. The company employs more than 600 workers who manufacture seats for the minivans built in Windsor.